A Worksite Self-management Program for Workers with Chronic Health Conditions Improves Worker Engagement and Retention, but not Workplace Function.
William S Shaw, Robert K McLellan, Elyssa Besen and 4 others
PMID 33983524WHAT IT FOUND
Workers with chronic conditions improved their sense of engagement and reduced thoughts of quitting after a group self-management program.
However, the program did not improve their actual ability to perform job tasks or meet physical and time demands.
Key findings
01The intervention group showed a statistically significant improvement in work engagement compared to the control group, which declined.
02There was no significant difference between groups in work limitations, meaning the program did not improve perceived job performance or productivity.
03Participants in the intervention group had a statistically significant reduction in turnover intent compared to controls.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTsWhat it means for OTsWhat it means for SLPs
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What it does not show
The study was underpowered because funding ended prematurely, resulting in a sample of 119 instead of the planned 300. Participants were mostly skilled workers in healthcare settings with moderate job security, so results may not apply to other industries or lower-skilled roles. The control group was older and had longer job tenure, which were controlled for but may still influence results. Outcomes were self-reported, and the study lacked a 12-month follow-up. The intervention relied on workers to request accommodations, which may be difficult in less supportive workplace cultures.
Declared interests
Funding for the project ended prematurely due to the unexpected closing of the sponsoring research institute.
The easy way to misread this
Do not assume this program improves physical function or productivity. The primary measure of work limitations showed no improvement, and both groups got worse over time. The benefit was psychological (engagement) and behavioral (retention), not functional.